Romanian Man Linked to Suspected Russian Sabotage Arrested in UK

Authorities investigate connections between Birmingham DHL fire and broader European sabotage campaign involving incendiary devices.

A 38-year-old Romanian man was arrested on March 19 at Stansted Airport in connection with a fire at a DHL warehouse in Birmingham last July, caused by a suspected Russian incendiary device.
The fire occurred on July 22, 2024, when a package ignited at the Minworth facility; no injuries or significant damage were reported.
The parcel is believed to have been transported by air, raising concerns about catastrophic risks if such devices ignite mid-flight.
UK counter-terrorism authorities, alongside European partners, are investigating whether the Birmingham incident is part of a coordinated Russian sabotage campaign targeting critical infrastructure across Europe.
Searches were conducted at two Essex addresses, and the suspect was detained under the National Security Act 2023 on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service before being released on bail.